Page 110 of Don't Leave Me

I nodded as I took his hand. “Yes,” I assured him with a smile.

Michael seemed to be in deep thought as he stared at me; I was still intimidated by his intense gaze.

“Okay, Han. I want you to do what makes you happy,” he nodded, a smile lingering on his face.

I immediately wrapped my arms around him. I knew this all along – he just wanted me to be happy and always had my best interest at heart. I loved him so fucking much.

“Get home then. Go pack up some more,” he smiled, giving me a soft peck on the lips.

I was suddenly giddy. “Really?”

He nodded. “Yes. I’ll get your stuff after work. We don’t need to make any more scenes around here,” he chuckled to himself.

I gave him another soft peck before I stood up and confidently walked out of the office for the last time – well, as an employee, anyway – and I could just see everyone’s eyes on me as I heard loud whispers from all around.

“Fuck you all,” I whispered to myself, then laughed as I moseyed on into the elevator, the doors closing me in but finally feeling free.

23

Chapter 23

I strolled through Battery Park, freezing, as I was trying to forget about Jack and focus on how happy I was with Michael. I felt my phone vibrating in my coat pocket and looked to see who it was –fuck, it’s my mom again. I should just answer and get this over with.

“Hello?” I answered innocently, my teeth clattering together from the cold.

“Hana, I’ve been trying to call you for days! Where the hell have you been?” my mom asked, practically yelling at me but I could hear the concern in her voice.

I sighed. “I’ve been busy, mom,” I grunted.

“Too busy to call and tell me and your father that Emily was in the hospital?” she inquired angrily.

I stopped in my tracks.Well, I figured Uncle Rob would call and tell them.

“I didn’t think she’d want it announced to the whole family, mom. She’s pretty embarrassed about it,” I responded sharply.

“Your Uncle Rob is just absolutely heartbroken. He’s on his way to New York from California right now,” she ignored my last statement.

I sighed. “Well, I figured he would be,” I stated, sitting down on a bench and overlooking the river.

“Your father and I are coming into the city this afternoon to see her. Can I expect to see you and Michael?” Her tone seemed less critical now.

“Well, um. I went and saw her this morning. I’m going home to pack right now,” I blurted out.

I hada lotto catch my parents up on.

“Packing? For what?”

I thought about it for a moment.What exactly should I tell her over the phone?

“Um, can you just come by the apartment – uh, Michael’s apartment – after you see Emily? Or we can meet at that restaurant that you and dad like downtown?” I suggested, looking up at the sky that started to produce drops of snow.

“Where’s Michael’s apartment? Are you staying there now?” my mom asked too eagerly.

“It’s in the East Village, not far from the hospital. I’ll give you the address and just come by afterwards, okay?” I stood up, starting to walk towards the train station.

“Okay, baby. What’s the address?” my mom returned to her usual and doting voice now.

After giving her the address, I hurriedly rushed home and began to clean up the apartment and put away boxes. I wasn’t sure if I wanted my parents, especially my dad, to know that I was living with Michael just yet. During this, I texted Michael: “Parents are coming to the city and want to see us. They’re coming to the apartment later.” He responded back promptly: “Okay. I’ll come home early.”

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